Virginia Assembly again delays ultrasound vote

RICHMOND

In the face of widespread public criticism, some General Assembly members say they are working behind the scenes to "soften" a controversial bill that would require women to undergo an ultrasound examination before having an abortion.

Republicans on Tuesday delayed a vote for the second day in a row on SB484, sponsored by Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel, R-Fauquier County, which would require an ultrasound procedure. Two legislators - one a conservative Republican - speaking on the condition of anonymity, said officials have discussed making the ultrasound legislation optional rather than mandatory.

Abortion-rights advocates have criticized the bill because it would require most women seeking abortions to have a probe inserted into their vaginas.

Del. Lionel Spruill, D-Chesapeake, told the House on Tuesday that Vogel's bill would "force what I consider a legal rape with an ultrasound probe."

But Lynchburg Republican Del. Kathy J. Byron, who sponsored a House ultrasound bill, said in an interview after the House adjourned that abortion-rights groups and some in the media are distorting the proposed legislation.

Byron said most women in Virginia who have abortions already have ultrasounds. Most abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, require an ultrasound, she said.

Without an ultrasound, the procedure for a first-trimester abortion might be performed on a woman who is more than 12 weeks pregnant, she said. That could put the mother's life at risk, she said, because the procedures for abortions after 12 weeks' gestation are medically different.

"This bill requires that the gestational age is verified and confirmed through an ultrasound," she said. "Without an ultrasound, you're just guessing."

Jessica Honke, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood, confirmed an ultrasound is part of the group's "standard of care," but added if a woman insists on not having one, a decision as to whether she can have an abortion "is between her and her doctor."

Vogel's bill and another measure that defines life as beginning at conception - called the "personhood" bill - drew scorn at two protest rallies on the State Capital grounds Monday. "Saturday Night Live" and other media shows have poked fun at the success of Republicans in advancing anti-abortion bills.

"The national conversation about Virginia is about whether a vaginal probe is a mandatory requirement before a woman exercises her constitutional right," said Del. Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria.

Asked about the national media attention, Byron said it was to be expected in a presidential election year.

"This is an issue that garners attention, especially when the information is distorted," she said. "When your opponents start spreading misinformation, you just keep firm and generally the truth will prevail."

Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah County, the Republican House whip, said the GOP continues to strongly support the bill. A vote was delayed so several contentious bills, including one to relax the state's gun-purchasing laws and another that allows private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious tenets, could be heard at the same time.

Gov. Bob McDonnell has expressed support for an ultrasound law, but because the bill is in flux, a spokesman for the governor wouldn't commit to a position.

Meanwhile, critics of bills to curb abortion rights continue their resistance. Today, opponents will present petitions with more than 30,000 signatures against ultrasound and "personhood" legislation to McDonnell's office.

Pilot writer Bill Sizemore contributed to this report.